Supported by India and 26 other countries, the United Nations nuclear watchdog agency Saturday reported Iran to the United Nations Security Council in a resolution expressing concern that Tehran's nuclear programme may not be "exclusively for peaceful purposes".

The decision by the International Atomic Energy Agency's 35-nation board sets the stage for future action by the top UN body that could include economic and political sanctions.

A copy of the resolution made available links the decision to ask for Tehran's referral to the country's breaches of the nuclear non-proliferation treaty and lack of confidence that it is not trying to make weapons.